The new mobile law is designed to close loopholes in existing legislation that still allow drivers to faff with their phones while on the move. It is set to finally touch down in 2022 after being delayed last year.
The law in 2021
Currently, you are banned from using your phone for calls or texting if it requires you to touch your phone – but with phones offering so much functionality these days, drivers are also using their phones for a host of other reasons. These include:
- Browsing the internet
- Scrolling through a playlist
- Playing a mobile game.
The new law will see such activities finally banned – even if you’re waiting at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. If you are caught, you’ll get six points added to your licence and £200 removed from your bank account.
Exceptions to the rule
There are a number of exceptions listed in the new law though. These include using your phone’s sat nav so long as it is in a holder, or making calls (and in theory, dictating texts) hands-free.
You can also make calls via a handheld phone in an emergency such as dialling 999 when it is not possible to stop safely.
Finally, handheld mobiles can be used to trigger remote-controlled parking functions (however, because you’re going to be such a great driver one you qualify, you won’t be needing such an option in the first place, right?).
KFC saved!
On of the great motoring clickbait stories of recent years has been that drivers could – in theory – be done for using their mobile phone while paying for a meal at a drive-thru.
The new law will specifically mention that you can make payments at drive-thrus with your mobile – and on toll roads – without fear of being done by a passing ‘hangry’ police officer.
However, do bear in mind that you can still be prosecuted if you carry out any of the above actions but are deemed by the police not to be in full control of your vehicle.
Why the new law?
“Too many deaths and injuries occur whilst mobile phones are being held. By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users. While our roads remain among the safest in the world, we will continue working tirelessly to make them safer.”
• Transport Secretary Grant Shapps
The changes have been on the cards for the past two years and have already received public backing after a consultation found 81% of folk thought stricter mobile laws were vital to improving safety on our roads.
And the change can’t come soon enough – despite the lockdown massively reducing people’s mobility, 17 people still lost their lives in crashes caused by drivers distracted by their mobile phones last year. A further 114 people were seriously injured, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).
Worst culprits?
Sadly, the latest government research shows that it’s young drivers who are most likely to be caught messing around with their mobiles on the move.
“Younger motorists admitted to more non-compliant driving behaviours than other age groups,” states the DfT. “While 39% of those aged 16-24 and 25-34 acknowledged five or more non-compliant driving behaviours, comparatively fewer (29%) overall did likewise.”
The top bad behaviours of young drivers include:
- Making or receiving calls (27%)
- Reading messages (26%)
- Searching for music (24%).
With the arrival of new law in 2022 – and an updated Highway Code arriving at the same time – hopefully, we can finally turn the corner on this dangerous habit once and for all.
As we’ve said before, if you can’t stop playing with your phone while driving, put it in the glovebox and focus on the road ahead instead.
Know Your Code
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Main photo by Ravi Palwe on Unsplash
Police photo by Ashley Harkness on Unsplash
KFC photo by Aleks Dorohovich on Unsplash